I have recently spent countless hours being told that children should play and are expected to play with toys. (And this is by medical and pscyological people). Interestingly enough we have just had a trip to Norway where the lack of toy playing and preference to do other things is seen as perfectly normal - an especially encouraged if it involves getting messy and climbing. A climbing frame is more commonly known as a TREE!
Different cultures different attitudes.
I'm going with Norway's approach and encouraging interest in any activities and not worrying about whether or not it involves toys. Life is more then toys.
Tomorrow we're making bread and discovering the lounge